Delusions of Grandeur
Norwegian Epic Cruise Review to Europe - Western Mediterranean
7 Night Western Mediterranean (Barcelona Roundtrip)
Sail date: April 24, 2016
Ship: Norwegian Epic
Cabin type: Balcony
Cabin number: 10040
Traveled as: Family (older children)
Reviewed: 8 years ago
Review summary
Our adult sons had been to Europe recently and insisted this was the time to go while we were still physically able to enjoy all of the sites and sights. The itinerary looked appealing ( and it was FANTASTIC!) and they had never cruised. We have cruised a few times on Norwegian and remembered our first Free Style cruise and loved it. Disappointments - 1. Room - we had a balcony and layout is "nested" with next room so there is a wider and narrower portion and we always felt congested. Loved the balcony and storage/hated the toilet and shower right inside the door. Sons had inside room across hall. It was ok but they mentioned when they knocked on the door that someone had reversed our "peephole" so it was a telescope into the room. 2. Bar- had all inclusive package but it wasn't applicable in The Bistro and Garden Café. Paid for 4 drinks and tips - $54 excessive "extra" that wasn't necessary - way under our 15 "drink" per day limit (includes pop-virgin cocktails). Bar staff was terrible on every deck. Maybe it was their awareness that the tip was prepaid, but hard to find service and long waits, understaffed. 3. With the exception of Priscillia Queen of the Desert rest of entertainment was blah. Bravo to the specialty restaurants (great service and delicious food), large supply of deck chairs, variety at Garden Buffet, fluid embarking and disembarking. Best way to see a large part of Europe in a week. Loved every port and even reasonable ship tours at Cannes (to Monaco) and Marseille/Avignon. Will most likely do it again in coming years.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Onboard Activities
Entertainment
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ship tip
Secluded sun bathing by basketball/soccer court. After getting onboard from a port walked up to floor 5 to take elevator up if there are hoards of people waiting for the elevator. Every bar has a slightly varied drink menu, so try more than a couple for some tasty surprises.
Ports of call
Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy